Characteristics: Ginger is a flowering plant whose rhizsome (roots) are used for medicinal and culinary purposes. Ginger grows stems about a meter in height with narrow leaves and yellow flowers. Ginger originated in the tropical rainforest in Southern Asia, however, it no longer grows wild. It is in the same family as turmeric and cardamom.

History: Ginger has had a long history of medicinal use, dating back 2000 years. In traditional Chinese medicine and Ayruveda it was used in stomachaches, diarrhoea, nausea, asthma, respiratory disorders, and arthritis (Grzanna et al., 2005).

Current applications: Ginger may be suitable for treating travel sickness, flatulent colic, irritable bowel, and diarrhoea where no inflammation exists (Bartram, 2013). It helps in cases of colds and influenza to promote perspiration and reduce body temperature. As a warming circulatory stimulant, it may prove helpful for cold hands and feet. As a digestive stimulant, it may be useful in stimulating appetite. It can be included in ones diet for atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. It may be useful in cases of nausea and vomiting.

Dr. Christopher used ginger extensively and listed it as a stimulant (of circulation and digestion) alongside other similar herbs like cayenne and prickly ash (Christopher, 1976). In his text, The School of Natural Healing, he mentioned, ginger is generally combined with herbs going into the abdominal area, because it is a carrier. Ginger is an herb which accentuates so many herbs in the lower abdominal and colon areas. He used it in his bowel corrective formula designed to promote good bowel health.

Science: Ginger root contains various anti-oxidants and nutrients including polyphenols, vitamin C, beta-carotene, flavonoids, and tannins (Prakash et al., 2010). It is an anti-inflammatory and represses prostaglandin synthesis, a pro inflammatory lipid (Grzanna et al., 2005). Ginger exhibits spasmolytic activity, meaning it reduces spasms, and so may be good for intestinal bloating and cramps (Ghayur et al., 2005). Ginger also exhibits gastrokinetic activity, meaning it increases passing, so can help relieve constipation (Ghayur et al., 2005). There are two well conducted studies of reasonable size on humans. One study found a significant reduction in osteoarthritis pain (Altman et al., 2001), however the effect size was quite low. It also used a patented extract with another herb so it is hard to judge which was responsible for the effect. Another study on type II diabetes found it reduced symptoms of the disorder (Mozaffari-Khosravi et al., 2014).

Safety: Ginger is safe, even for pregnant or breast feeding women. It can be used by the young or old.

Dosage: Dose of tincture is 5-60 drops 2-4 times daily.

For inflammatory conditions, osteoarthritis, and type II diabetes; 3g ginger powder can be taken daily in divided doses.

A strong infusion can also be made by brewing two teaspoons of grated ginger root in boiling water, steep for 10 minutes, then drink 3 times daily. This infusion may help digestive issues.